San Diego Criminal Lawyer Blog

Another San Diego theft crime has been perpetrated. This story comes from the San Diego Union Tribune, which reports that a 27 year-old man named Brandon Murray was arrested on Orange Avenue at around 2:15 pm for allegedly intending to “commit a crime which will result in greatly bodily injury.” He was also booked on a count of spousal abuse.

Mr. Murray had been working as a fleet manager at a company called Alert Ambulance. He allegedly phoned his coworkers at around 11:40 in the morning and threatened physical violence. As Mr. Murray headed to the Hancock Street office to “collect his personal belongings,” police tracked him down and pulled him over. They searched his vehicle and discovered four semi-automatic guns as well as ammunition.

Allegations such as the ones against Mr. Murray can be extremely serious. If convicted, he could face many years in prison, even though he did not actually execute any violence against his coworkers. If you or someone you love has been accused of a serious crime, it’s in your interest to look to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, like Steven R. Brodsky, to develop a plan for your defense. In some cases, it makes sense to plead guilty and work out a bargain with the prosecutors. In other cases, particularly if you're not guilty, you may need a stout and aggressive defense to prove your case.

Attorney Brodsky has over 20 years of experience, and he’s won many difficult court battles for his clients. Discover more about Attorney Brodsky, including information about some major cases he’s won, at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com. Or get instant help with your matter now by dialing 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

Two armed San Diego robbery suspects are on the run following a heist which took place at the Skyway Liquor Market on Main Street, according to a report in The San Diego Crime Examiner.

The suspects allegedly entered the store around 9 pm on the 18th of August and held up the cashier. Both suspects were Latinos in their early 20s. Security footage showed that one was around 5’6” and 160 pounds, while the other was taller -- around 6’ tall and 220 pounds. Both wore dark clothing, including sunglasses and hats to conceal their identities. While one suspect held up the cashier with a handgun, the other ducked behind the counter and stole money from a register. The San Diego criminal suspects allegedly then fled in a dark colored pickup truck (police believe it might have been a Chevrolet), then peeled off on Main Street headed west. As of this posting, the subjects are at large. The San Diego County Crime Stoppers office has asked local residents to be on the lookout for the suspects and to report leads to their toll free hotline, 888-580-8477.

If you stand accused of a San Diego crime, you're no doubt plagued with anxiety and concerned about your future. If you're convicted, will you have to serve jail time? If so, how much? What will be the terms of your eventual release, and how will you get your life back on track? If you're not guilty of the charges, how can you defend against the allegations effectively? What kind of legal strategy would be the most helpful, and what resources do you need ASAP?

For solid, comprehensive answers to your San Diego crime queries, get in touch with Attorney Stephen R Brodsky. Since 1988, Attorney Brodsky has developed winning strategies for literally hundreds of defendants who’ve stood accused of crimes in San Diego. To get immediate help, phone 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE, or email Attorney Brodsky directly through www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

The Associated Press has reported that, on Monday, August 24, Connecticut Police arrested a man named Howard Jamison in Milford on charges that he committed a brutal murder crime in San Diego two decades ago.

The FBI allegedly used DNA evidence from the crime scene to confirm its suspicions that Jamison did in fact murder an 83-year-old California man named Ewing Scroggs back in December of 1989. The gruesome details of the San Diego murder fascinated and terrified local residents at the time. The elderly man was attacked brutally. Not only was Mr. Scroggs’ home raided, but several valuable personal items also disappeared after the murder, including a wedding band and quilt. The FBI says that Jamison was in fact in San Diego on the day Scroggs was killed in his Pacific Beach house. Jamison will be extradited to California to await trial.

Even though this San Diego murder occurred 20 years ago, Mr. Jamison can still be tried, convicted, and sentenced for the crime (if he is indeed guilty). But not all San Diego crime charges can be made to stick years after the fact. The law imposes what are known as statutes of limitation that make it difficult or even impossible for individuals to be charged with crimes in San Diego after a certain amount of time has elapsed. Thus, even if you did commit a crime and the authorities have enough evidence to convict you, if the statute of limitations has elapsed, the charges won’t stick.

Of course, defending against charges of a serious San Diego crime, such as homicide, requires careful planning and a compassionate approach. Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky, a top rated and extremely popular criminal lawyer in San Diego, can assess your case and advise you about how best to proceed. Visit www.criminalattorneysandiego.com right now to learn more about Attorney Brodsky’s practice, or call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE immediately for a confidential, no obligation consultation.

A 33-year old man named Steven Richardson was arrested in Evanston, Illinois on August 21st in conjunction with a series of rapes and sexual assaults in San Diego and Illinois.

Prior to making the Thursday arrest, San Diego crime detectives working in conjunction with local police pooled their resources -- including fingerprint evidence, eyewitness testimony, and DNA evidence. According to the reported allegations, Richardson committed five rapes in Southern California between 2000 and 2001 as well as other assault crimes in his native Illinois. All told, he now faces 23 counts, including allegations that he is the “A.M. Rapist,” a sexual assailant who’s M.O. was to break into women’s homes early in the morning and brutalize them.

If convicted of all charges, Richardson faces up to 225 years in prison. The accused is a former Navy officer who was discharged in 2000 after acting “mentally unstable.” Navy officials at the time did not believe he was an imminent threat to anyone. Richardson has a wife and young son; as of this time, his wife has made no public comment regarding the allegations.

Sexual assault, battery, and rape are extremely serious crimes in California and can result in lengthy jail sentences and even theoretically life in prison and/or capital punishment. If you stand accused of a crime in San Diego that carries strict punishments, you need a good lawyer to represent your interests. For over 20 years, San Diego defendants have entrusted Steven R. Brodsky and his legal team. Find out what sets Attorney Brodsky apart from the pack here at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, or get a free consultation about your case right now by calling 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE (toll free). All initial consultations are 100 percent free and confidential.

Per the AP, authorities have concluded a mass arrest of suspects in a San Diego drug crime ring that allegedly may have been responsible for at least nine area murders since 2004.

Seventeen alleged members of a Mexican drug cartel known as the Los Palillos gang (also known as the Toothpicks) were indicted by a grand jury in San Diego County on charges that included robbery, kidnapping, and murder. All told, the men face 22 counts. Nine of the accused are in custody; three may have been killed in Tijuana, Mexico; and the others named in the indictment are still at large.

Authorities have long followed the intramural gang violence between the Los Palillos and another Tijuana cartel, the Arellano Felix. The ring leader of the Los Palillos, a 30-year-old man named Jorge Lopez, allegedly blamed the Arellano Felix cartel for the death of his brother. He stands accused of systematically extorting and killing people who have associations with his enemy’s cartel.

If you or someone you know has committed a crime in San Diego that’s linked to the drug gang or cartel, you may be hesitant to admit guilt or cooperate with authorities out of fear of retribution, either from members of your own gang or from members of a rival group. Such San Diego crime defense strategies need to be handled within abundance of a care, so that more violence does not erupt and so that the true ring leaders can be brought to justice.

If you need effective, careful, and respectful legal help with your San Diego crime charges, look to Attorney Stephen Brodsky, a 20-year veteran San Diego Criminal Defense lawyer who has delivered excellent verdicts for defendants in literally hundreds of cases. At www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, you can read more about Attorney Brodsky’s philosophy and credentials. To book an appointment to discuss your matter in a confidential setting, phone 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE right away. Respect yourself and your family by getting solid legal counsel to help you.

The July 25 death of former American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen has shocked and touched many of the show’s fans here in San Diego. Officers arrested a suspect in the killing -- a 23 year old man named Daniel Bark, who’s been accused of killing Cohen in a hit and run accident and then illegally eluding a law enforcement officer. Bark faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and could face many years in jail.

According to Bark's attorney, David Glassman, the defendant is on suicide watch and is suffering from emotional trauma from the event. Had an experienced San Diego defense attorney been on hand to advise Bark about how to behave in the immediate aftermath of the accident, he would have likely counseled him not to evade authorities and not to leave the scene of the accident. In fact, the fact that Bark fled from the scene -- quite possibly, a panic reflex -- may significantly complicate his legal defense. The additional charges he may face for hit and run and eluding arrest could tack on years to his jail sentence and make probation and rehabilitation much more difficult.

Building a sound San Diego defense strategy requires careful planning and a thorough knowledge of California law, both in theory and in practice. The Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky can equip you to address criminal charges pending against you, whether they’re relatively minor (e.g. a misdemeanor) or severe (e.g. a felony DUI or aggravated manslaughter). Attorney Brodsky has won numerous complex battles at trial, and he understands how to negotiate with prosecutors to get excellent results for his clients. Please check out more resources at www.criminalattorneysandiego.com, or call 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in San Diego -- be it a minor misdemeanor for violating terms of a probation, or a serious felony, like a felony DUI or a charge of manslaughter or assault and battery -- you may be feeling a range of conflicting and powerful emotions. It's important to understand that you’re not the first person to experience similar reactions to being charged with a San Diego crime. One of the keys to moving beyond feelings of vulnerability, weakness, anger, regret, and panic is to acknowledge the reality of your emotions -- this way, emotions won't get in the way of constructing your best San Diego crime defense. To that end, let's examine some emotions commonly felt by the criminally accused:

1. Guilt/remorse -- whether you injured someone in a motor vehicle crash, hurt someone in a bar brawl, or simply embarrassed yourself in front of your friends or coworkers, you may feel a strong component of remorse. In some cases, this remorse may be merited; in other cases, it may be an exaggerated emotional response. A sound and comprehensive defense strategy and treatment program can help you confront these feelings and take action on them in a constructive way. For instance, by making amends to a victim or his or her family, you may help mitigate your sentence.

2. Panic/anxiety -- the fear of the unknown is powerful. Although you’ve been charged with a crime, you don’t know exactly how your defense will play out in a court of law. Will you be able to make a plea arrangement with the prosecution? Will your case go to trial? How soon will it take to resolve the matter -- two weeks or three years? With all these unknowns at play, it's unsurprising that many defendants experience profound anxiety over their futures. A good remedy to that is to connect with a solid San Diego criminal defense attorney to plan a strategy for your defense. Once you have a plan in mind, you may find some of your anxiety and panic falling away.

3. Numbness -- accused criminal defendants often report feeling less emotion than expected. “Going numb” may indicate that you have not fully processed the event, the arrest, or other matters relating to the crime or alleged crime. The human psyche tends to be both fragile and self-protecting. For instance, in many cases, emotional numbness protects your psyche from confronting the harsh realities of the situation. One potential solution is to enter therapy as quickly as possible. This can help not only with your legal defense but also with your coping and rehabilitation strategies.

For more help about how to handle your San Diego criminal defense matter, connect with the Law Offices of Attorney Stephen R. Brodsky ASAP. Attorney Brodsky can provide a free, no obligation consultation to you and advise you about your options. Attorney Brodsky has tremendous qualifications, and he’s represented a wide variety of defendants in his more than 18 years of practicing law. Book your appointment now by phoning 1-800-GOOD-ADVICE or by emailing the firm via www.criminalattorneysandiego.com.

According to a June 19 press release, San Diego Congresswoman Susan Davis has helped to secure a guarantee $1.9 million for the City of San Diego to combat crime. The House Bill in question, HR 2847, is set to head to the Senate for review after it passed the House of Representatives by a wide margin, 259 to 157.

Representative Davis claims that the money can be used for a wide variety of San Diego crime fighting purposes. A breakdown of the monies follows:

• $350,000 earmarked for a Crime Lab Technology for the city.

• $200,000 to help the County’s DA to track gang and drug investigations and to purchase breathalyzers for police fieldwork.

• $200,000 to support a program designed to help officers in the streets coordinate anti-gang actions and to tamp down on violent crime

• $1.2 million to update data sharing systems among San Diego officers and update local, California, and Federal communication efforts.

These monies are part of a much broader Congressional package known collectively as the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, that also include funding to combat global warming and nearly $7 billion in a National Science Foundation money.

While better technologies for San Diego law enforcement agents will hopefully lead to improved coordination and a reduction in violent crime in the city, individuals arrested for crimes in Southern California may have a more difficult time exonerating themselves in the future. If you’ve been wrongly accused or incorrectly charged, you will need resources to fight back against your charges efficiently. Fortunately, you can trust the law offices of Stephen Brodsky & Associates. Attorney Brodsky boasts tremendous and varied experience with criminal defense matters in Southern California, and he understands how to negotiate with judges and prosecutors to get his clients fair and appropriate sentence reductions. To explore more about the firm’s track record history, please visit CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com. You’re also invited to set up a free consultation with attorney Brodsky at any time regarding your criminal defense matter.

San Diego’s North County Times wire services reports that, on Saturday, June 20, a man named Albert Estrada allegedly went on a bizarre spree of armed robberies in the Logan Heights area. According to San Diego Police Sgt. Ray Patrick, the police apprehended the suspect after he had wreaked havoc with a full day of criminal activity.

Mr. Estrada’s alleged first crime occurred mid-morning, when he backed a pair of men into an alleyway at gun-point and took some of their belongings, including their mobile phones. A few hours later, the alleged suspect knocked on the door of 716 Beardsley Street and held the woman who answered hostage at gun-point. The suspect then forced his way into the women’s house and held her and two other men inside at gun-point while he rifled through their things and then stole car keys from the men. The suspect absconded in a 2004 Nissan owned by one the men. The victims alerted the police, who tracked down the suspect and pulled over the Nissan. Due to the police presence, the suspect abandond the vehicle and fled on foot. But police officers caught up with him and placed him under arrest. Several victims later identified the suspect as Albert Estrada. A handgun was found on Estrada’s person, as were some of the items taken from the victims.

It’s unclear what may have motivated this robbery spree. But the law entitles individuals arrested for crimes in San Diego to a sturdy and thorough defense. If you or a family member has recently been charged with multiple counts of robbery, assault, or other violent or theft crimes, you may required immediate and effective legal assistance to avoid the most severe penalties. Trust the San Diego Criminal Attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky to provide a free, confidential, and comprehensive consultation about your San Diego criminal defense matter. Learn more about attorney Brodsky’s background and excellent trial record here at CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.

On June 22nd, R&B superstar Chris Brown arrived in Los Angeles Superior Court for a preliminary hearing regarding Brown’s widely-publicized altercation with pop-singer Rhianna prior to the Grammy Awards in February. Brown allegedly beat up the 21-year-old Rhianna while heading to a Grammy party in a rented Lamborghini. Rhianna’s brutalized image proved fodder for paparazzi and celebrity gossip purveyors like TMZ.com, US Weekly, and People Magazine.

Although the Superior Court Judge did not permit cameras in the courtroom to observe the proceedings, reporters could listen in via a closed-circuit broadcast. In preliminary hearings of this kind, prosecutors need only establish “probably cause” to get the go ahead to proceed to trial. Assuming the Brown-Rhianna matter does in fact move on to trial, the prosecution will then face a much stiffer burden of proof and will have to demonstrate Brown’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Whether you've been accused of a crime in San Diego that’s vaulted you unexpectedly into the spotlight, or you’re simply overwhelmed by the criminal charges pending against you, the law entitles you to a sound defense. Trust the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky to provide excellent counsel and deliver results. Find out more about one of San Diego County's most highly-regarded criminal defense attorneys today at www.CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has reported that Ron deHarte, the Executive Director of San Diego’s LGBT Pride Festival, suffered minor injuries after being attacked in Lemon Grove, while marching in a Gay Pride Parade.

According to deHarte and others, the event occurred as the victim was marching in the Equality Torch Relay – a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. All told, more than 2,000 gay activists participated in the march throughout San Diego.

DeHarte allegedly had been standing peaceably by a statue in Lemon Grove waving a rainbow colored flag when a visibly angry man approached him and demanded that deHarte and his fellow marchers leave Lemon Grove promptly. The unidentified assailant then tried to wrestle the flag away from deHarte. When deHarte resisted, the man punched him in the face and slapped him around. The entire attack lasted only about a minute and half to unfold. A local TV cameraman taped the final few seconds of the confrontation and later broadcast the footage on San Diego news stations.

Despite suffering a sore jaw, a swollen lip, and some bruising, deHarte was not seriously hurt. The suspect was later caught and arrested by police. It is unclear whether the San Diego District Attorney will press for hate crimes charges in addition to assault and battery charges. The Union Tribune reported that the assailant does have a minor criminal history, including outstanding warrants for illegal weapons possession and a restraining order violation.

Sometimes, for whatever reasons, our emotions get the best of us, and we take our aggressions out on innocent people. If you or a loved one has been arrested for assault, battery or other physical crimes, you may benefit tremendously from getting good legal counsel. The law offices of San Diego attorney Steven Brodsky may be able to help you. Connect with us here at CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com to schedule your free consultation.

On Tuesday May 26, 2009, the Sheriff’s Department of San Diego County announced a sweeping new biometrics program designed to identify “removable” criminal aliens in the city’s jails. This project is a joint venture between the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Commonly known as “Secured Communities,” the program extends information-sharing capabilities among various law enforcement agencies.

The basic idea is that these agencies can now more quickly track and integrate information from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to determine whether given inmates might be “deportable.” In particular, Secured Communities focuses on preventing criminals convicted of aggressive offenses--such as assault, murder, rape, and kidnapping--from roaming free on San Diego streets.

The biometrics initiative evolved from an earlier ICE pilot project, The Criminal Alien Program, which ID’d hundreds of thousands of deportable aliens in jails across the U.S. DHS officials estimate that at least $1 billion will be spent on efforts to ID and deport removable criminal aliens… over the coming year alone!

Although officials at the DOJ and the Sheriff’s Department appear hopeful that this effort will keep dangerous criminal aliens off of San Diego’s streets, opponents have questioned whether Secured Communities violates civil liberties. Some have also argued that the program has the potential for “Big Brother”-like abuse and that biometrics analyses are not as bulletproof and accurate as proponents might have people believe.

Given San Diego’s intensified efforts to crack down on crime; if you’ve been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in CA, now, more than ever, you need an intelligent, empathetic and aggressive attorney to vouch for your rights and help you navigate the justice system. Look to San Diego Criminal LawyerStephen R. Brodsky to build the smartest possible defense strategy. Find out more information at www.CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.

Federal officials have been making several arrests in Riverside County taking down members of the Mongol motorcycle gang, with roots in Hesperia, Corona, San Jacinto and Redlands, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents raided homes in the middle of the night and in the wee hours of the morning, ransacked homes for illegal weapons and arrested individuals who they perceived to be members of this outlaw motorcycle gang.

According to the news report, in June, Temecula police officials made several arrests claiming that the Mongol motorcycle gang caused chaos on the 15 Freeway by “pulling off stunts and closing parts of the freeway en route to a rally in San Diego. Mongol leaders in Riverside and other areas have said in the past that they have been unfairly pursued by police and federal agents for having gatherings that are perfectly legal.

Whether it’s a federal or state prosecution, if you have been accused of a weapons charge or any other federal crime, you would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney, who is well-versed in dealing with both state and federal prosecutions.

The other important issue to look at in this case would be if the federal agents who conducted these raids did so in a legal manner following procedures that are required by California law. If they have searched and seized evidence that violated the Constitutional rights of the defendants, the defense attorney can make an argument in court to prevent that evidence from being used during a trial.

Ahn Quang Ho, 54, was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman at a Moreno Valley nail salon, according to this news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Riverside County Sheriff’s officials have booked him on rape and sexual battery charges after a woman accused Ho of forcing himself on her while they were inside the suspect’s workplace, Creative Nails Salon on Perris Boulevard.

In the State of California, a person can be charged with rape if they had sexual intercourse with a person who could not give legal consent because they were drunk, drugged, unconscious or did not have the mental capacity to give legal consent. A person may also be charged with rape if they physically force another person to have sex with them.

An important factor in a sexual assault or rape case involving two adults is whether the accused rapist knows the victim. In such cases, the issue of whether the victim agreed to have sex with the accused rapist becomes all important. Police investigators will usually question the victim about the alleged rape. The Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART) will also give the alleged victim a medical exam to see if there is any physical evidence of rape.

A sexual assault conviction usually results in severe punishment including a lengthy jail sentence. It is very important to have an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside rape defense attorney on your side, who will examine the evidence, conduct an independent investigation and listen to your side of the story. If you have been charged with a Riverside sex crime, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation.

A 40-year-old child care center operator in Norco has been arrested on suspicion of abusing seven children under her care, five of them younger than 24 months. According to this Associated Press news report, Connie Lynn Barrett has been charged with seven counts of inflicting injury on a child.

Police officers obtained an arrest warrant for Barrett after several claims that children under her care at the Barrett Family Child Care Center had been severely injured. One 8-month-old girl stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest, reportedly displaying all of the symptoms of “shaken baby syndrome.” Two other children allegedly suffered broken bones and several other children were severely bruised, according to court records. Barrett’s business was shut down by the Department of Social Services on Aug. 29, the report said.

Child abuse charges, whether it is against a parent, relative or caregiver, carry serious consequences. The consequences are particularly devastating if you are a licensed caregiver. Conviction on child abuse or sexual abuse charges can lead to loss of your professional license and put your livelihood in jeopardy.

If you or someone you know has been accused of child abuse or child sexual abuse in Riverside, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney for an immediate consultation. Stephen R. Brodsky has years of experience successfully defending those accused of serious crimes. Call us and find out how we can help you build a winning defense.

An Oceanside police lieutenant has been arrested in Carlsbad on suspicion of domestic violence after officials say he choked and dragged his former girlfriend through his home. According to this news report, Oceanside Police Lt. Shawn Murray was taken into custody at his home after Carlsbad police received a call about an argument between Murray and his ex-girlfriend.

The woman reportedly told police that her neck was “red and sore” and that she was pushed down and “dragged around by her pants and left arm.” Murray is apparently the subject of an internal investigation by his own department regarding this domestic violence case. It is not clear if he has been suspended or put on administrative leave.

San Diego domestic violence cases are prosecuted more aggressively than ever before now because of extensive funding law enforcement agencies receive from special interest groups that are devoted to the cause of domestic violence. Before these agencies took this aggressive stance, police would not arrest anyone in a domestic dispute without obvious evidence of serious abuse. But now, officers are required to make an arrest if someone in the household has the smallest visible injury on them.

Police agencies just don’t take much time to investigate these cases. That’s why if you have been charged with domestic violence, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, who has the knowledge and resources to successfully complete the investigation and build a defense that will get you out of this situation. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky today.

Riverside County sheriff’s deputies arrested 24-year-old Garnett Junior Reid of Winchester after officials said he beat up his girlfriend and led deputies on a high-speed chase. According to this news report, Reid was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, reckless driving and evading a peace officer after an incident which began at the Motel 6 in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa.

Deputies reportedly responded to a call at the motel and found Reid’s GMC Yukon accelerating away from the motel’s parking lot. Police asked him to stop, but Reid did not comply. Reid led officials on a high-speed chase on the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway. Reid finally surrendered on the Interstate 215 near the junction of Route 74. The victim reportedly suffered visible injuries to her face, but declined medical treatment.

Police officers and prosecutors are aggressively pursuing domestic violence cases because a number of special interest groups committed to fighting against domestic violence are providing a lot of funding to law enforcement and district attorneys. The way officers deal with domestic violence cases has changed drastically over the years. Previously, a police officer would never arrest someone unless there was visible and obvious evidence that serious physical abuse was taking place. But now, even a visible bruise is sufficient to make a domestic violence arrest. In this Jurupa case, the female victim was injured, but declined medical treatment, which means it was not a serious injury.

Never admit guilt in any domestic violence case without talking to an experienced and knowledgeable Riverside criminal defense attorney. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky for a free consultation.

An Apple Valley man was arrested after he reportedly fought with a friend and ended up shooting him fatally, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. Michael Jay Cummins, 70, has now been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 52-year-old Jimmie Franklyn Mancell of Hesperia.

Police reportedly found Mancell while investigating a call which reported a shooting at Cummins’ home along the 7800 block of De Francesco near Apple Valley. Officials have not determined how the fight began or what caused it, but Mancell reportedly died at the scene.

A murder charge is probably the most serious criminal charge anyone can face in the state of California. A murder conviction could result in a life sentence or in some cases, a death sentence. If you are charged with committing a murder or any violent crime, you must hire an experienced Riverside criminal defense lawyer who has a successful track record of presenting a winning defense strategy at trial.

You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney who won’t approach cases with the idea of plea bargaining. You need a skilled trial attorney who will approach cases with a “winning attitude” – whose goal is to win cases, not to plead clients guilty to a crime they did not commit. If you or a loved one has been accused of murder in Riverside County please call the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky to discuss your case and build a winning defense that will keep you out of prison and clear your name.

Two men have been arrested in Murrieta in connection with an alleged assault in a parking lot on California Oaks Road, according to a news report in The Californian. Murrieta police say the two men – David Short, 22 and Jonathan Santos, 20 -- tried to rob two people of their wallets and cell phones by threatening them with a baseball bat. One victim was struck with the bat and suffered minor injuries, authorities say.

Officers apparently chased the men’s car on the Interstate 15, but the men fled on foot after jumping off the vehicle. Short and Santos were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley. Short was charged with being under the influence of controlled substances while Santos was arrested on suspicion of strong-arm robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Assault with a deadly weapon and robbery, especially those robberies involving physical threats and use of a weapon or a firearm, are considered violent crimes. A conviction on these charges can result in lengthy prison sentences depending on other factors such as seriousness of injuries to the victims, use of weapons and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

If you have been accused of a violent crime, you need the best and most experienced criminal defense attorney you can get. It can make the difference between freedom and a long time behind bars. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Riverside, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your options and build your defense.

Oceanside police arrested two men in connection with a robbery in a local bagel store, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. A 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were arrested after officers served search warrants at two homes following the robbery at Bruegger’s Bagels on Oceanside Boulevard. Police said the men entered the store through a back door, threatened one of the employees to lie face down on the floor at gun-point while telling another employee to open the safe.

The suspects reportedly got out through the back door with $1,000. Oceanside police detectives identified the suspects and conducted a search of their homes when they reportedly found weapons, disguises and illegal drugs. Both men, whose names have not been released, were arrested and booked into Vista jail on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy. The teenager, in addition, faces a narcotics charge.

Armed robbery is considered a violent crime in San Diego because it involves the use of a weapon and more importantly, the use of force. Violent crimes can result in very serious convictions and punishment and will benefit tremendously from an aggressive defense by an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer. The seriousness of a violent crime obviously depends on the severity of the injury or injuries to the alleged victims, but use of a weapon can result in enhancements to the charges, which will add to the severity of the punishment.

Don’t leave your future and your freedom to chance. If you or someone you know is being accused of a robbery or violent crime in San Diego, please call the Law Office of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case.

Two Murrieta men – Levi Tucker Cowell, 20 and 19-year-old Jon Cody Mader – were arrested on suspicion of attacking a young man in Temecula, leaving him severely injured. According to this news report, police were looking for two more juveniles who they believe were involved in this assault. Murrieta police officials said the victim was walking with friends on Chantemar Way in Temecula when he was attacked by the four individuals.

Mader was booked on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury and conspiracy to commit a felony. Cowell was arrested on suspicion of using force to inflict injury, drug possession and disobeying a court order.

Violent crimes are often treated as a felony. The severity of the charges in violent crimes depends on the severity of injuries suffered by the alleged victim. If you have been accused of committing a violent crime in Riverside, it is extremely important that you seek the counsel of an expert Riverside criminal defense lawyer who has the experience, knowledge and skill to defend violent crime cases.

If you are convicted of a violent crime, it could mean some serious jail time. At the Law Office of Stephen R. Brodsky, we believe in preparing a winning defense, even in the most serious violent crime cases. We don’t approach a case with the idea of plea bargaining. Our main goal is to keep you out of jail. We work very hard to protect our clients’ legal rights at all times and help them get the justice they deserve. Call us today to find out how we can help.

An man is facing murder charges in Oceanside the death of a Carlsbad woman whose body was found in a car, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Juan Sebastian Ambrocio, 24, was arrested after he called Oceanside police officers and told them that he had killed his 32-year-old girlfriend.

Ambrocio reportedly directed officers to a parked vehicle in Oceanside where they found the strangled body of Norma Fiero Lopez. According to a preliminary investigation conducted by officials, Lopez was killed two days earlier in Lincoln Acres near National City. Ambrocio and Lopez were reportedly involved in a romantic relationship. The case is being handled by San Diego County Sheriff’s Department investigators.

Being charged with any violent crime in San Diego – be it murder, homicide, rape or robbery – brings with it serious consequences. A person convicted of murder faces severe penalties such as restitution and life in prison. Some murder cases could also have the death penalty attached to them and some defendants are sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If you or a loved one has been charged with murder or homicide in San Diego, please call an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky. We will analyze your case and come up with the best possible defense to get you acquitted or reduce charges. Call us today for a free consultation.

Police arrested teenager on suspicion of stabbing a man in Lake Elsinore during a fight. According to an article in The Californian, the boy is 17 years old and remains unidentified because he is a minor. Officials say the incident occurred in the 28500 block of 11th Street. Police arrested the teen after receiving reports of the stabbing. Officers stopped a speeding car and determined the teen, who was in the vehicle, stabbed the man.

Police also arrested the second person in the car about whom no information is available. According to the article, the victim who was admitted to an area hospital, talked to officials and confirmed the two people’s involvement in the stabbing. The 17-year-old reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the man on the left side of the chest during their fight. The victim, who has also not been identified, is said to be in stable condition and his injuries, non life-threatening.

When older minors commit violent crimes such as homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery or gang-related crimes, they could be tried as adults. The difference is while juvenile court proceedings are shielded and protected from the public and the media, proceedings in adult court are wide open.

It takes an experienced criminal defense attorney with a thorough knowledge of San Diego juvenile defense law to handle these cases in a competent yet sensitive manner. If your child has been accused of a crime, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a complimentary and confidential consultation.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of homicide after police said they beat a man so severely in Downtown San Diego that he died hours later, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The three men who were arrested were: Felipe Pineda, 38; Edgar Cortez, 21 and William Alfonso, 19. The victim, 50, was also from San Diego, but officials have not released his name.

According to police reports, the victim argued with three or four men on K Street near Park Boulevard two blocks east of Petco Park in East Village. The fight got out of hand and the men beat the victim on the head and face, the article said. Police arrived on scene at which time the alleged assailants ran away. Paramedics transported the victim to an area hospital, where he died.

Homicide and murder are the most serious offenses in the United States that bear the most serious consequences. Prison time is certain if the charges result in a conviction. In some cases, the prosecution will seek the death penalty in murder cases. Most result in lengthy prison sentences, sometimes life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Mistaken identity is a common factor in numerous murder cases. New DNA technology has proved in many murder and rape cases that the prosecution got the wrong guy simply because a witness may have picked the wrong person out of a police lineup. If you have been charged with a homicide or murder, you need the best San Diego criminal defense lawyer you can get. You need an aggressive defense attorney with the knowledge, experience, skills and resources needed to get you acquitted. If you have been accused of murder, homicide or a serious violent crime, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a free and completely confidential consultation.